Severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon; followed by steamy heat

The Bay State is about to get a one-two punch, first from severe weather later today potentially bringing severe thunderstorms to the western parts of the state, followed by a sizzling heat wave, the National Weather Service said.

Today’s severe weather all hinges on on cloud cover, according to meteorologist Charlie Foley. If the clouds stick around, we’ll largely avoid any severe weather. But if the clouds break, the sun will trigger strong gusty winds, hail, heavy downpours, and even an isolated brief tornado.

The weather service issued a special weather statement this afternoon saying that scattered thunderstorms were expected to reach Western New England between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The storms could even whip up a twister, the forecasters said.

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The most likely locations for severe weather included the Berkshires to the Connecticut River Valley, including Springfield, Westfield, and Keene. The chance of severe thunderstorms is smaller to the east and south, the forecasters said.

Overnight, a Bermuda High – a high pressure system that stretches from Bermuda up the Eastern seaboard – will move in, parking a hot, humid, tropical air mass over the region through Sunday afternoon.